Our sign in peace

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Today was hive inspection day, first at my friend Regina's we inspected her 4 hives. We were looking for their queens and found 3 out of 4 and marked them. Then ran home and inspected my 3 hives as well as my neighbor David's hive. Upon inspecting the newest hive that I started about 10 days ago, I was quite pleased to see a couple of queen cups, closed and a trace of a queen in them. (this picture I borrowed). So by my estimation, she should emerge in a few days! This year seems like it is going to be a great year for the bees!!!

Saturday, May 16, 2015

This time of year you can really save on that grocery shopping with wild edibles that are everywhere! My favorite is Garlic Mustard. I make a mean pesto out of it by using the following: 2 cups of garlic mustard leaves, washed and dried, about a cup of olive oil, about 3/4 cups of walnuts or pine nuts, chopped, 3/4 cups of Romano and Parmesan cheese (I just use the grated, a couple of cloves of garlic, minced and salt and pepper to taste. I place the leaves first in a food processor and then slowly add the olive oil, then the rest of the ingredients, adjust as needed...

and there you have it, Garlic Mustard Pesto over pasta! In my humble opinion I think it is even better than basil!

I picked these dandelions for my rabbits, but the whole time I was thinking wine!!! Wild edibles are free and delicious too! I have also added a great blog called "3 foragers" onto my side bar, check out their blog, it is great! Message me for some reference material or sites to learn more!

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Do you ever look at leaves as a burden, messy looking and have the urge to rake them up, get them out of the garden as soon as you can? Well don't!!! Did you know that worms are drawn to the damp, warm decomposing space that they give them?

and with that you get beautiful black, rich, healthy soil! All brought to you for free by the worms!

So I planted my tomatoes and used the leaves as my natural compost, a gift from nature!!!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

It's hard to believe that over a month has gone by since theses little fluff balls came to us! Today we opened the door and half of the 26 chicks came out to explore while the others huddled in the coop. They took dust baths, stretched out in the sun and checked out the older chickens who were also very curious of them. It's hard to believe in just 3 months these girls will be laying eggs!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

and a box of old Rit dye I had, started out as a disaster in dyeing. First using the wrong mordant. I went with my regular vinegar but it should have been salt. I got the strangest steel color, so I decided to re-dye it and got a beautiful blue!

The disaster dyeing is on the right. Not too bad and such a lovely color. The other two piles are inspiration of Springs beautiful colors...

but my favorite dye attempt was this one! I was looking out the back door at all the beautiful colors Spring has to offer so I put it in a dye batch and call it a win!

Saturday, May 2, 2015

I love this time of year! Wild edibles are everywhere. Yesterday I picked some sassafras sapling roots. When you harvest them you need to get the whole root. Cut the stalk off and wash the dirt off well.

After your roots have dried somewhat, I put them in water and strain the water for anymore dirt. Once I have got a nice clean water I place the roots into a pot with that water and bring to a boil.

And there you have it, Sassafras Tea, no sugar needed! Nature takes care of the sweetness!

Friday, May 1, 2015

Today our chicks moved into the small coop that doubles for a chick brooder. With a closed in area, lots of straw and a heat lamp they have lots of room to move. They have grown so fast, have feathers, all 26 of them!

They were fearful at first, but all it takes is food to get their attention. So now it is time to wipe the dust off of everything in the house. My favorite part of chicks is when they go outside!

*We also have eggs for sale, our girls never stop laying. We sell our extra large brown eggs for just $3.00 a dozen , they are fresh everyday. We are asking all our customers to return egg cartons to keep cost down.

*Winter is here! Lots of catching up to be done!

* We are around on most Sundays.

*Stop by if you are in the area, we are usually around on Sundays. So if you are out and about come by, have some tea and see us...

One of our curious residents here on the farm

"Cyrus the Sweet"

www.CoonHollowFarm@aol.com

All About Our Farm

Coon Hollow Farm which is located at 156 Punkup Road in Oxford, CT. on a small country setting. Alpacas, Llamas, Sheep, Chickens and Bees are among some of the things raised on the farm. A Farm Stand is located in the front of the small barn and offers soaps, goats milk soap, hand made alpaca and sheep items, hand dyed yarns, natural yarns, honey, maple syrup, vinegars, herbs and herbal items. Farm tours happen about 2 times per year with a Homestead Hobby Farm tour in June and Alpaca Days in September. If you have any questions or are interested in contacting us, call 203-881-1986 or drop us an email @ CoonHollowFarm@aol.com. Remember to do just one thing to get "Back to Basics" and live a happier, healthier life, Happy Farming!!!